Best Water Softener For Washing Machines (Top 5 Picks)
Hard water takes away the cleaning power of detergent and can even leave behind a nasty residue on clothes. Water softeners are an important tool for maintaining the longevity of your washing machine and making sure you get a good clean.
In this article, I’ll explore the different types of water softeners and the features that make them the best choice for washing clothes. I’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each type and provide tips for choosing the right water softener for your laundry.
How Hard Water Affects Your Washing Machine?
Hard water can have a significant effect on your washing machine, reducing its efficiency and causing it to break down prematurely.
The minerals found in hard water are abrasive, which can wear away at the rubber seals and other components over time. Additionally, these minerals can build up and clog pipes, making it harder for hot water to reach the detergent compartment of the washer. This will lead to an increase in soap residue left behind on clothes after they are washed. As a result, fabrics may become stiff or feel rough to the touch due to this residue buildup.
Benefits of Washing Clothes with Soft Water
Here are some advantages of using soft water in washing machines:
Improved Cleaning Performance: Soft water reduces the amount of soap needed to get your clothes clean and helps the soap lather better. You’ll get better cleaning results and your clothes will look brighter and smell fresher.
Longer Lasting Clothes: Soft water is gentler on fabrics, which makes them last longer. This means that you’ll get more wear out of your clothing and be able to save money in the long run.
Reduced Stains: Soft water will help reduce the number of stains that are left on clothes after laundry. This is because it doesn’t leave behind any minerals that could cause the stains to set in.
Easier Ironing: Ironing clothes after washing with hard water can be difficult because the minerals in the water can leave mineral deposits on the clothing. Soft water eliminates this problem and makes ironing easier.
Less Wear and Tear on Appliances: Washing machines and other laundry appliances can be damaged over time by hard water. Soft water helps reduce the amount of wear and tear on these appliances and can extend their life.
Reduced Risk of Allergens: Many people have allergies to the minerals found in hard water. By using soft water, you reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
5 Best Water Softeners for Laundry
Best Overall
iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Descaler, Alternative Electronic Salt-Free Hard Water Conditioner, Reduces Limescale Prevent Deposits Build-up, Different from a Water Softener
Best Grain Capacity
AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain - High Flow for Whole House Use - Removes Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Sediment, Rust
Best Value for Money
Pentair 5600sxt-48k AFW Filters water softener with AFW Install kit Fleck 48,000 Grain of Upgraded HIGH Capacity 10% Resin, Black
Best Compact
NuvoH2O Studio Salt-Free Water Softener System – Whole House Scale Prevention – Retains Healthy Minerals – Compact, Eco-Friendly, No Salt or Wastewater – Ideal for Homes Over 1,500 Sq. Ft.
Best Electric
EDDY Inductive No Salt Water Softener Alternative | Electronic Water Descaler for Whole House | Reduces Limescale | Electromagnetic Water Conditioner
iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Descaler, Alternative Electronic Salt-Free Hard Water Conditioner, Reduces Limescale Prevent Deposits Build-up, Different from a Water Softener
AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain - High Flow for Whole House Use - Removes Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Sediment, Rust
NuvoH2O Studio Salt-Free Water Softener System – Whole House Scale Prevention – Retains Healthy Minerals – Compact, Eco-Friendly, No Salt or Wastewater – Ideal for Homes Over 1,500 Sq. Ft.
[Improve Water Quality] Solves hard water problems without the need for chemicals, salt, or maintenance, while keeping healthy minerals in the water by preventing scale deposits from forming and allowing existing scale to break down.
[Reliable Descaler] Descales your entire water system and prevents scale buildup in pipes. Reduces energy consumption with an average one year payback period. Great for your home and the environment, individuals on salt-restricted diets, and those looking for healthier skin and hair.
[Environmental Friendly] Designed for very hard water areas (10-19 grains per gallon). Saves energy and extends the life of your appliances.
[Easy Installation] No plumbing modifications required. Maintenance-free. Works on any pipe, even PEX and PVC. 1-year money-back and lifetime tech support from iSpring.
[No change on Chemistry of Water] Unlike salt water softeners, ED2000 does not change the chemistry of water.
Softener Type: Electromagnetic wave (works on any pipe)
Water hardness: 10-19 grains per gallon
Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 2 inches
Warranty: 1-year money-back and lifetime tech support
The iSpring Water Descaler provides a simple solution for the problems caused by hard water. By targeting limescale build-up with its adaptive process, this unit ensures that machines can tolerate 10-19 grains per gallon of hardness– helping you to get cleaner, softer laundry. This descaling device works efficiently and helps to extend the lifespan of your washing machine.
This descaler easily attaches to your water supply pipe, removing minerals and sediment that impede optimal operation. With less strain on the system, you’ll enjoy long-term efficiency gains with no maintenance required. In addition, its simple setup means you don’t have to shell out extra money for a costly installation process!
The iSpring ED2000 Descaler is perfect for washing machines because it does not affect the flow rate, so you don’t have to worry about any added pressure or frustration from dealing with poor water quality. Furthermore, there is no change in the chemistry of your water – meaning all you get are soft, clean clothes without adjusting a thing!
This salt-free descaler provides long-lasting and sustainable results with maximum comfort and minimum hassle.
Comprehensive Water Treatment: The Iron Pro 2 is an all-in-one water treatment system that combines a water softener and iron filter, providing comprehensive water treatment for your entire home.
High Flow Rate for Whole House Use: Designed for high flow, the Iron Pro 2 ensures that your household has access to a plentiful supply of clean, treated water, making it ideal for whole house use.
Efficient and Reliable Operation: The system features a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve, offering efficient operation and ease of use, backed by a 5-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Removes Multiple Unwanted Substances: The Iron Pro 2 removes hardness, iron up to 6 ppm, manganese up to 6 ppm, and rust, ensuring your water is clean, safe, and free from impurities.
High Efficiency: The Iron Pro 2 combines a water softener and iron filter, efficiently removing hardness, iron up to 6 ppm, manganese up to 6 ppm, and rust from your water supply.
Softener Type: Salt-based
Grain Capacity: 64,000
Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 21 inches
Warranty: 5-year
The Iron Pro 2 Water Softener provides super-charged cleaning power – its 64,000-grain capacity with a fine mesh resin design allows users to make the most of every clean cycle. It will reduce the water hardness and provide a more effective lather during washing cycles, resulting in cleaner clothes that stay bright and vibrant for longer.
The digital metered valve makes it easy to control regeneration cycles without having to manually adjust settings. Its sleek design also eliminates the need to access tight working spaces which can be tricky in larger sinks or washing machines.
The Iron Pro 2 Water Softener ensures that up to 6 parts per million (ppm) of iron and manganese are taken out for smoother, cleaner clothes with each wash. Installation is easy with the included DIY instructions and bypass valve.
Pros
High grain capacity of 64,000
Includes a bypass valve
Easy to install and use
Cons
You have to reprogram it if the power goes out
#3. Best Value for Money: Pentair WS48 Fleck Water Softener
Fleck 5600 Sxt digital metered on demand control head with push button programming
Upgraded 10 percent crosslink resin water softener resin ships loaded for easier installation
More resilient to chlorine in city water than standard resin already installed for easier install
Complete system including brine tank, mineral tank, valve with bypass and yoke Plumbing adapter
Emailed installation instructions including a video as well as phone and email support during installation
Softener Type: Salt-based
Grain Capacity: 48,000
Flow Rate: 14 Gallons per minute
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 54 inches
Warranty: 5-year
Enjoy the convenience of ultimate control with Pentair Fleck Water Softener for laundry. Its 5600SXT digital meter and easy-to-use touchpad make controlling your water-softening system easier than ever before! Easy-to-program settings, take readings, and adjust options are at your fingertips – allowing you to customize automated processes and tweak performance when needed.
It comes with a high-grade bypass valve and an adapter. This upgraded model comes with a massive 1.5 cubic ft tank that ensures a smooth flow of softened water. The large tank size allows it to handle even larger amounts of water, making it ideal for washing large loads at once or over an extended period of time – ensuring fast operation as well as better cost savings.
It’s 10% additional crosslink resins limit chlorine damage to your fabrics while helping to remove excess amounts of iron that can make clothes appear dingy or worn. Your whites will sparkle with fewer yellowing stains caused by minor levels of iron, leaving you with bright clean laundry! The fleck also optimizes the washing process for a better overall result.
Pentair Fleck Water Softeners provide an unrivaled 14 gallons per minute flow rate, which is perfect for those that require fast and efficient laundry cycles. With 48,000 grains of hardness-reducing capacity, this efficient system will save you time as well as money on soap and energy bills while providing stellar results with each cycle.
Pros
A high flow rate of 14 GPM
Upgraded resin for better efficiency with city water
Easy-to-use and programmable LED control valve
Cons
Not DIY friendly, you’ll need to hire a plumber to install this unit
#4. Best Compact: NuvoH2O Home Water Softener System
Salt-Free Softening with Healthy Minerals: Softens water without removing beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. Uses NuvoH2O’s CitraCharge formula to prevent scale buildup without replacing minerals with sodium or potassium.
Whole Home Coverage: Designed for homes over 1,500 sq. ft., the Manor System protects plumbing, water-based appliances, and fixtures from scale damage—helping you save thousands in repairs and replacements.
Prevents and Removes Hard Water Scale: Advanced formula not only stops new scale from forming but also works to dissolve existing buildup in pipes and appliances caused by hard water or ineffective systems.
Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance: No salt, no phosphates, no electricity, and no wastewater. The system’s compact design fits almost anywhere and requires simple cartridge replacement every 6 months.
Complete Installation Kit Included: Includes system housing, softener cartridge, carbon taste filter, mounting bracket, wrench, O-rings, installation hardware, lubricant, guide, and warranty card—everything needed for quick setup and lasting results.
Softener Type: Chelation water softener cartridge
Best for: Homes with less than 1,500 sq. ft.
Cartridge Replacement: 6-Months
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 24 inches
NuvoH2O water softener is perfect for smaller homes with less than 1,500 sq. ft. of space. This system gives homeowners the opportunity to eliminate uncomfortable hard water scale buildup and scale deposits in their washing machines and on clothes without taking up too much valuable home space.
It uses 100% natural ingredients that continuously protect pipes, fixtures, and appliances against corrosion while conditioning and softening the water all while still being eco-friendly!
Thanks to the easy replacement cartridge, users no longer have to worry about complicated maintenance procedures. Each cartridge lasts up to 6 months, meaning peace of mind since users do not have to replace it frequently – a major benefit compared to traditional salt-based softeners!
This high-performance system meets the NSF ANSI Standard 42, giving you peace of mind that its results are reliable and trustworthy. Moreover, it prevents and removes scale buildup without damaging the healthy minerals your family needs!
Pros
Compact design
NSF/ANSI Certified
Eco-friendly operation
Easy-to-install and maintain
Cons
This basic model is ideal for a small home
#5. Best Electric: Eddy Water Descaler Water Softener Alternative
WHAT EDDY DOES: Eddy is a NO-SALT household electronic water descaler, far healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to a water softener. Uses our unique micro-chip generated true magnetic pulse waveform. Eddy is BRITISH built, refined and perfected over 25 YEARS in the water treatment business and comes with our renowned customer service
WHO EDDY IS FOR: Eddy is for anyone who wants to reduce or eliminate the effects of costly limescale from their whole house water system. Makes water heaters more efficient. Increases lifespan of appliances. Stops clogging of faucets and showers. Makes hair and skin feel softer. Trial for at least 60 days to see full benefits
EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Simple step-by-step guide supplied with Eddy whole house water descaler shows how to fit Eddy yourself. No need for a plumber. Extra-length cables available in our Amazon store for pipes larger than 1” diameter. Treats the whole house. Eddy can be fitted to any pipe, copper or plastic, iron or steel
DESCALER BETTER THAN SOFTENER: The Eddy ED6002P electric water descaler emulates the effects of softened water by removing damaging effects of limescale without removing healthy minerals. Unlike a water softner Eddy does not waste water. No salt to buy. Cheap to run and maintenance free
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: 365 day “satisfaction or money-back” warranty and a LIFETIME repair or replace warranty for future peace of mind. Never a need to worry – With Eddy you are fully covered by our renowned customer service
Softener Type: Electromagnetic wave
Water Hardness: 20 GPG
Maximum Flow Rate: 10 Gallons Per Minute
Dimensions: 6.69 x 1.57 x 3.54 inches
This Water Descaler provides water that is soft enough for washing machines and clothes without reducing essential minerals in the water. It works by failing hard particles to stay separate from the softened stream of water, allowing them to pass freely through your machine with no filter or maintenance required. Not only does this product make laundry easier, but it also keeps healthy minerals in your water for better hydration on a cellular level.
The Eddy Water Descaler is the easier and more economically priced alternative to water softeners. This sure-fire system requires no maintenance, delivering you up to and above 20 GPG of reliably soft water.
The unit is made in Britain, which guarantees high quality. Not to mention, you get a 1-year money-back guarantee, as well as a lifetime replacement warranty ensuring your satisfaction whether now or down the line.
Pros
No maintenance required
Easy to install
Retain healthy minerals
Budget-friendly
Cons
Not as efficient as the traditional water softeners
What to Look for When Buying a Water Softener for Laundr
Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best water softener for your needs:
Type of Water Softener
The type of water softener you choose will depend on the size of your home, your water hardness, and the amount of water used. There are three main types of water softeners: salt-based, salt-free, and magnetic water softeners. Each type works differently to remove minerals from your water, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs.
Many water softeners are easy to install, but make sure you read the instructions carefully before attempting the installation yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable with the installation process, you may want to hire a professional.
Maintenance
Water softeners require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, which will typically include adding salt, cleaning the system, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Soft Water Suitable for Laundry?
Soft water is a result of removing minerals, such as calcium and magnesium from hard water. The result is a gentle and clean form of water that’s ideal for laundry and other household tasks. Soft water works more efficiently with detergents, allowing them to dissolve more easily in cold temperatures. Which can help you save time and money on your hot washes. Additionally, soft water does not leave behind any residue or soap scum that can damage fabrics or cause colors to fade over time.
How Hard Water Ruins Your Clothes?
Hard water contains a high amount of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can wreak havoc on clothes. When hard water is used to wash clothes, it leaves behind deposits that stick to the fabric fibers. These deposits build up over time and are difficult to remove with regular detergent alone. As a result, the fabrics become stiff and brittle which leads to fading colors. Whites may turn yellow or gray due to the mineral buildup on them which is almost impossible to get rid of without special treatments designed for hard water stains.
What are Water Softener Tablets for Washing Machines?
Water softener tablets are a great way to improve the quality of your laundry. They help reduce unwanted minerals that can cause scale buildup in your washing machine and make your clothes look dull and feel rough. These tablets are designed to be used in high-efficiency washers, which need more water softening than normal machines.The best thing about water softener tablets is that they’re easy to use. Simply place one tablet into the detergent drawer or dispenser before you start a load of laundry. The tablet will dissolve quickly and work its magic as it mixes with the water during the wash cycle. You’ll start to notice softer clothing right away!
